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Saturday, January 31, 2009

What are The Witching Hours?"The Witching Hours" where A Good Witch Too will be the hostess with the mostest plugging shops with "Wicked Good Sales"! Yes, Saturday Night Specials is going live on the air. Call in with your specials and join us in chat to share your links. Don't forget about the Treasure Hunt!!!!

While this news about the stay on the enacting of the CPSIA is wonderful news, it does not mean our battle is over!

We still have the 30 day comment period, so inactuality after Feb 10 the law remains the same, until the 30 day comment period is over (around March).

My point is this: While this is slaptastically happy dance news, our fight is not over! We need to keep putting pressure on lawmakers and keep getting our voices out there! This year will pass very quickly and we could find ourselves in this exact position in a year.

DO NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT! Continue to write letters, just changing them to incorporate your thanks for the stay, and continued proof that handmade is and has been safe.

Friday, January 30, 2009

We are so excited to announce that the Commission has voted for a "Stay of Enforcement of Certain Testing and Certification Requirements of CPSIA" — which means that the burden of lead testing and certification has been suspended for a year while they take more time to review the rules and plan enforcement! All of your hard work has paid off (for the time being at least!). You don't have to pay to do the certification and testing, though you are still liable if your products are found to have lead. We are so pleased that artisans and vintage sellers got their voices heard. Your hard work is not over; we must continue to play a role in advocating for small business people throughout the coming year.

"The action taken today provides breathing space to get in place some of the rules needed for implementation, but it should not be viewed as a full solution to the many problems that have been raised." —U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission

You'll find the press release below:

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.

The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.

The stay does not apply to:

Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:

The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;

The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;

The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and

The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.

Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.

The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.

The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our Web site.

The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

As parents and concerned citizens I'm sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples: To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That's okay though, there's always television. Our children don't need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won't be available next winter.To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America. To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. "Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.htmlTo the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn't been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake. To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.htmlDid you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.www.cpsia-central.ning.comwww.handmadetoyalliance.orgwww.nationalbankruptcyday.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

"We take great pride in our products and actually as a mother of 4 use my products everyday. They make my life simpler and fashionable at the same time and I hope they do yours! They are handmade by me and we ship daily. We strive to get our products out to you fast so that you may enjoy them asap! Our Layla Legs fit as follows; for 2 to 12 months they fit to the thigh. For 12 months and older the fit like normal leg warmers. All of our Layla Legs can be worn as arm warmers/wrist warmers. All of our products can also be worn in either direction!"

Now that is versatile!!

Now you can win YOUR choice of ONE Pair of Layla Legs!!! (Shipped to US and Canada only sorry!)

HOW do you win?

Simply visit the shop at outoftheboxx.etsy.com and pick your favorite pair. Then report back here and list your FAVE pair INCLUDING the link of your fave pair.Want an extra entry? Then blog about this giveaway and Layla Legs and report back here leaving the link to YOUR blog post (MUST leave link for me to verify!!).

That's it!! Easy peasey! You have ONE WEEK to do this!! On Sunday, Feb 1st, I'll randomnly pick the winner!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Alrighty guys...here is the flier I am putting up in my neighborhood, town, about CPSIA. Please fee free to take it, copy and paste and just change your personal info. TAKE IT--I DO NOT MIND! PLEASE SHARE..FIGHT THIS!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

It's time for a new giveaway!!!! And since I am already doing tapped out myself (10% of purchase price on ALL items in BOTH shops this month goes to National MS Society), I have recruited the help of some of my favorite shops!The first one is DAZZLE DOTTS! Dot will be our giveaway sponsor for the next WEEK!

Here is your mission..should you choose to accept it:

Visit DazzleDott's awesome shop by clicking her name and/or the photos posted in this blog post.Check out her shop and report back here! Leave a comment on THIS BLOG POST ONLY, stating your FAVE item in her shop (links preferred!) and WHY!At the end of the week, I'll use my nifty random number generator (my son or husband--I like that vs. a computer doing it for me!) and we'll pick a winner from the comments!!

How did you get started on Etsy and in your craft? I got started on Etsy through the advice of a friend who suggested I start selling my soaps online. I always wanted to sell my soaps on-line but I had no idea where to start! (You can find her here and here!)As far as soap making goes, I started when I was sixteen and by far it is my favorite thing to do. I have done cold-process soap making, and melt and pour and I have discovered it is much more fun to do cold-process. This way you can decide actually want you want in your soap.

What is your FAVORITE item to make?My favorite item to make would be my marshmallow dream soap!

What advice do you have for Etsy Newbie Sellers? I have been on Etsy for a short time and I have learned so much. As far as advice goes, post/renew items several times throughout the day. Purchase a showcase or two, get into the chat rooms and talk with the wonderful people here! Never give up, and never stop doing what you love doing.If you could buy one thing on Etsy, money no object, what would it be? If I could buy one item from on Etsy is would be a custom made loopy boopy doll. I absolutely love the shop and all of the work!

_____________Now here's some great items in DazzleDott's shop you simply must see!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Here is my latest letter to my rep. I plan to continue to harass them all while I can. Please do the same...but don't copy mine! Write your own with your OWN issues, fears, desires! We can make a difference.

and if not..meet me at the corner at 2 am. I'll sell ya some awesome bibs and blankets... :)

"Hello Mr Scalise! I do hope you will take the time to read this letter and I will not get another form letter.There is a VERY important issue affecting our local citizens and it needs IMMEDIATE attention! In August, a law was passed, that while with the best of intentions, will ultimately put THOUSANDS if not MILLIONS out of business.http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.htmlThe CPSIA of 2008 has a great heart--protecting the safety of children. However, it was SO broadly written, SO vague and SO all encompassing that it is LUDICROUS! Basically what it states is anyone who creates for children under the age of 12 will have to REDUNDANDTLY and COSTLY test their items. While I applaud the idea...this law was written with NO REALISM!I, for example, make and sell online and in craft fairs, clothing, toys, etc for children. I use basic materials you find in your local fabric store. These materials are READILY available for me to use for my own personal use and considered COMPLETELY safe in that aspect.However, due to this new law, as of Feb 10 2009, SUDDENLY, those VERY SAME materials (i.e. fabric and metal snaps) that I use to create clothing for my own children, will SUDDENLY be considered unsafe if I make them to sell?

This makes NO sense.None.

WHY would it no longer be safe? Where is there ANY indication lead is in fabric, and 99% of most the items that will now be illegal?We live in a unsteady economy...people are seeking more natural, yet cost effective ways to live. This law affects not only handmade artists like myself, but thrift shops, small businesses, schools and more! Preschools, daycare, etc..will have to RAISE their prices because the companies they must buy from will have to RAISE their prices for products!

This law is insane. There is no other way to say it.

There needs to be SERIOUS ammendments for small businesses, schools, and very serious changes in the wording. It is ludicrous to think that even though I buy a fabric that is ALREADY acheived high USA standards, I must RETEST the BLANKET I make from it??? That is plain and simply STUPID!!

I pray nightly that change will come, as this law was passed sneakily and quietly in the night. Please help spread light on this. I am VERY VERY VERY active on online forums, radio shows, blogs, etc. Your REAL, HONEST response WILL Be appreciated and reported. I have MANY fellow Louisianians trying to get an answer out of our lawmakers...here's your chance to make us proud!!

Thank you and I hope to hear from YOU (not the auto-office-bot) soon!Amy DutschOwner and CreatorMama's Little Monkeys"

Great Quotes

"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted."

Garrison Keillor

"It is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied."